Professional paper

Treatment of Actinic Keratoses and Field Cancerization – Croatian perspective

Mirna Šitum ; Department of Dermatology and Venereology, Sestre Milosrdnice University Hospital Centre, Zagreb, Croatia
Nika Franceschi ; Department of Dermatology and Venereology, Sestre Milosrdnice University Hospital Centre, Zagreb, Croatia
Nikola Ferara ; Department of Dermatology and Venereology, Sestre Milosrdnice University Hospital Centre, Zagreb, Croatia *
Zdenka Šitum Čeprnja ; Department of Dermatology and Venereology, University Hospital Centre Split, Split, Croatia

* Corresponding author.

Abstract

Actinic keratoses (AKs) are the most common premalignant skin lesions, caused by chronic sun damage and accordingly, found on chronically sun-exposed skin, such as face, scalp, neck, hands, and forearms. Clinically, these lesions present as macules, papules or hyperkeratotic plaques on an erythematous background. In Caucasians over 60 years of age, the prevalence of AKs is up to 80%. The diagnosis is based on clinical and dermoscopic examination. The main concern with AKs is the risk of transformation into squamous cell carcinoma (SCC), therefore all lesions should be evaluated for treatment. Treatment options for AKs are divided into lesion-oriented and field-oriented treatments. Lesion-directed treatment modalities commonly involve cryosurgery/liquid nitrogen cryotherapy, surgery (shave, excision), and laser therapy, while field-directed treatments include topical agents, photodynamic therapy, chemical peels, field ablation with dermabrasion and CO2 laser resurfacing. This review outlines the different types of treatments available, the characteristics, side effects, and benefits of each modality, and highlights the best treatment options, with a reflection on possibilities and limitations in the Republic of Croatia.

Keywords

actinic keratoses; field cancerization; treatment; Croatia

Hrčak ID:

318614

URI

https://hrcak.srce.hr/318614

Publication date:

25.6.2024.

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